The software world may fluctuate, but it never stops evolving. Every year we see a new software trend, which later becomes a mandatory tool for organizations to invest in to remain competitive in the market. In order to meet societal and technological needs, companies are embracing digital acceleration.
In 2020, the Covid-19 crisis downscaled many businesses. However, the technological world continued to advance. The adoption of the cloud to facilitate remote work, augmenting AI and machine learning with humans to ease the workload, using blockchain technology to track digital assets; all these trends are shreds of evidence of the advancement in the IT industry despite covid-19.
The 2020 trends are most likely to influence the software trends in 2021. However, new trends will emerge as well. Let’s take a closer look at which software development trends are ruling the software industry in 2021.
1. The Adoption Of Cloud
Since the pandemic, investments in Cloud computing have gained momentum. Both private and public sectors have adopted cloud computing to facilitate remote working. Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are the biggest providers of the Cloud.
Companies are deploying IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS solutions to build applications and manage their teams. These solutions are helping companies to gain scalability, flexibility, and improved time to market. Analysts predict that there will be a high demand for cloud-native engineers in 2021 and onwards.
2. Cybersecurity Is Becoming A Top Priority
In the last few years, companies have focused on developing trust relations with customers. However, cybersecurity risks pose a significant threat to this cause. In order to scale down the security risks, companies are investing in cybersecurity solutions.
They are governing user access as well as deploying firewalls on mobile and web applications. Moreover, they are using machine learning algorithms to facilitate the cybersecurity framework.
3. Incorporation Of Internet Of Things (IoT)
The progression in the Internet of Things is never-ending. This flawless system can be a source of convenience for people worldwide by connecting billions of devices from various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, IT, etc.
However, all these systems require software of their own. Hence, software specialists and developers need to code and provide security to each device in a way that none of them become a door for cybercriminals to enter.
The healthcare sector invested in IoT by installing Bluetooth in the beds and wheelchairs. Moreover, IoT is providing digital transformation in the supply chain. Some used case scenarios of IoT are Bluetooth trackers, smartwatches, smart fridges, fitness trackers, smart security systems, etc.
4. Advancement In AI
The fact that AI-driven companies are most likely to thrive in the market, artificial intelligence is expected to gain popularity in 2021. Companies are focusing on AI to automate mundane tasks. Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Speech automation, etc., are going to be utilized in e-commerce, healthcare, finance, digital marketing, security systems applications.
Through AI, computers are most likely to acquire additional human functions. Hence, awareness regarding ethical AI .i.e. ensuring the machines are programmed to perform the right thing, will also rise.
5. 5G Network
Another Cellular network called 5G was under development for the past few years. However, communication specialists believe that the 5G network will set foot in the digital world and become one of the top leading IT trends in 2021.
5G network provides better connectivity and communication, thus avoiding all the communication barriers globally. It is one of the fastest and most robust technologies anyone has ever seen. This means downloading time will decrease with lesser delay. It will allow consumers to access more data in less time hence making businesses more efficient. As a result, there will be a new shift in the technological world.
6. Software Development Outsourcing
Outsourcing in Software development has experienced massive growth. When in-house individuals lack specific skills, big organizations opt for outsourcing technically inclined individuals to develop custom software.
Managers can hire individuals and pay them hourly. Hence, this is a cost-effective method. Moreover, the remote tech partner can give out-of-the-box software solutions, thus, promoting flexibility. Benefits like accelerated development, cost-effectiveness and, reduced risks, support the growth of the outsourcing market.
7. Python And Java Remains The Top Programming Languages
Java is the number one software language. However, in 2021 approximately half of the developers used Python in their code. Both python and Java are easy to learn and use. Therefore they are going to remain on top of the charts.
We can use Python in Web development and mobile app development. Moreover, it allows complex mathematical calculations as well as data analysis. Developers love to use Python when they are developing AI- and machine learning-based applications. Python is easy to learn, hence, it is used in data science and many other fields.
8. Surge In Progressive WEB APPS
Progressive Web Apps are gaining popularity over the years. Users don’t want to spend several minutes downloading an application. PWAs are the solution to this problem. Progressive Web Apps use languages such as JavaScript, HTML, etc., in their development, thus, making them accessible on web browsers. They update automatically. Moreover, users can access them offline, therefore, increasing user engagement by 137%.
From the development point of view, PWAs are cost-effective and time-saving because they don’t require different versions for different devices. Many famous platforms such as Twitter, Pinterest, Ali Express, and Forbes have already adopted PWA in their business. Additionally, these platforms are most likely to dominate the web products market in 2021.
9.Low-Code Development IS Trending
Software Development is moving towards simplification. Rather than using code to develop apps, low-code platforms enable developers to develop apps using graphical user interfaces and configuration. For businesses who want agility and growth, Low-code/no-code (LCNC) programming is a must-have.
Low-code development is becoming commonplace for businesses as it reduces manual work and saves time to develop digital solutions. Hence in 2021, this is a prime trend in the IT industry.
10. Growth In Blockchain
Blockchain technology is not only famous in cryptocurrency but also used in tracking transactions. It helps to prevent the slightest fraud in the smallest of transactions. The properties like decentralized, transparent, and immutable open various growth chances for blockchain.
Blockchain enables the HR department to retain employees by removing inefficiencies associated with hiring and paying employees. Moreover, consumers can pay through blockchains, thus the growth in e-commerce. In 2021, blockchain’s use is most likely to increase in smart contracts.
Bottom Line
The above trends are just a short picture of what 2021 will be like. The digitalizing world holds a myriad of possibilities for every technology. In order to compete in this world, tech leaders must adopt these trends. They need to devise new methods to deploy these innovations in their business and reap their benefits. As a result, they can achieve customer satisfaction, agility, and revenue growth.
The IT market and the trends may fluctuate, but there will always be room for innovation. All these trends point in a similar direction that the IT industry is going to make remarkable progress despite the circumstances. Utilizing this technology in the right way can drive exceptional results. Moreover, companies can think of different ways to use technology to achieve their ultimate goals.